About Cascade Acupuncture Center LLC

Please allow us to introduce ourselves:
We are a team of Acupuncturists: Carola Stepper, LAc, RN retired, Keenan Bartscher, LAc, Cindy Conlin, LAc and Rebecca Shower, RN, LAc who share the care of our clients. All of us are Board certified (NCCAOM) Licensed Acupuncturists (L.Ac.) and hold a Masters Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (M.Ac.O.M.).
The team approach allows for input in your care from multiple practitioners, opening hours Monday through Saturday in the Gorge between both locations and uninterrupted clinic hours, in case of absence of one of us.

We all practice the same style of Acupuncture, Dr. Tan's style, where clients can conveniently be needled below the elbows and the knees. This style produces reliably excellent and often instant positive results. All Acupuncturists continue to attended advanced trainings in this style.

Carola Stepper, LAc, RN retired, Rebecca Shower, RN, LAc,
Keenan Bartscher, LAc, Cindy Conlin, LAc

Carola Stepper, LAc, RN retired has a backgound in Home Health and Hospice Nursing since 1989. She studied Chinese Medicine at the nationally accredited Oriental College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) , in Portland, Oregon where she obtained a Masters degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (M.Ac.O.M.). She is board certified in Acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).As an Acupuncturist she has worked part-time for four years at Mid-Columbia Medical Center, treating patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for cancer. She also pioneered Acupuncture in Goldendale, WA, working out of the Family Practice Clinic.
Additionally she has been trained in Craniosacral Therapy with the Upledger Institute since 1998. Since 2002 she has been studying with Dr. Tan, renowned Acupuncturist and inventor of the Balance Method for instant results. This style of Acupuncture works especially well for the treatment of any painful conditions. It does not rely on needling the painful area directly: most needles are placed in the forearms and lower legs. Carola integrates instructions in Self Acupressure, Guided Relaxation, Body-Mind, Breathing and Stress reduction techniques and elements of Cranioscacral Therapy into her treatments.

Her purpose is to help her clients to get well naturally with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs and to provide effective information and inspiration in self care.

She is the founder of Cascade Acupuncture Center and works in both locations.

Keenan Bartscher, LAc studied Chinese Medicine at the nationally accredited Oriental College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) , in Portland, Oregon where he obtained a Masters degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (M.Ac.O.M.). He is board certified in Acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). During his time at OCOM, Keenan pursued advanced studies in Tuina massage and Qigong (a Chinese form of meditative exercise). He also worked in public health, treating recovering alcohol and drug addicts using Acupuncture and has maintained a private practice in Portland for four years.

Keenan strives to help his clients realize their fullest potential for health and happiness through his treatments and through educating clients to be proactive in their own healing.

Keenan works in the Hood River office.


Rebecca Shower, RN, LAc obtained her Bachelor of Nursing Degree from the University of Portland in 1999. She began her career as a Public Health and Triage Nurse. She later expanded her Public Health Nursing to work with children and family primary care. She studied Traditional Chinese Medicine at the nationally accredited Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM), in Portland, Oregon where she obtained a Masters degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (M.Ac.O.M.). She is board certified in Acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). During her time at OCOM Rebecca obtained teaching level certification in Soaring Crane Qigong as well as the Ling Gui school's Thousand Hands meditation.

Utilizing her knowledge of Nursing, Qigong, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs Rebecca helps her clients reduce stress, strengthen immune function, as well as harmonize the body, mind and spirit.

Rebecca works in both locations.

Cindy Conlin, LAc graduated from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, Ca. with a Masters of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine. She is board certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology from the NCCAOM. Through her internship, Cindy worked with Survivors of Torture, an organization that helps victims create new lives. She incorporated Acupuncture and Chinese herbs to work with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and a wide range of injuries and illnesses.

Cindy's goal for patient care is to work in partnership with her patients helping them to work toward a sustainable state of whole health and well being.

Cindy works in both locations as needed.

Back Strain ~ Testimonial

I began Acupuncture treatments about six weeks ago for a back strain I have had for over two years. I can honestly say Acupuncture works! My back feels stronger and I am able to do daily activities without pain.

Thanks Carola and staff for sharing the healing powers of Acupuncture!

~ T. O.